Turn Stefan's steps into strides for change !

Stefan Angelos, who’s born and raised in Torquay, Devon, has spent a lifetime prioritising others, from his cherished daughters to his late dad and step dad, both of whom he sadly lost to dementia. Now, at 61 years young, Stefan is taking a huge 630-mile trek across the South West Coast Path as a means of prioritising his own health and wellbeing, and to also challenge himself on his biggest journey to date.

Beginning in Minehead in Somerset and travelling to Poole Harbour in Dorset, Stefan hopes to raise awareness of mental health and to raise funds for BF Adventure, a local charity based in Cornwall that works with children and young people from disadvantaged backgrounds, helping them overcome challenges through the outdoors. In Devon, one in ten children experience mental health difficulties in any year. In Cornwall, 1 in 10 young people have a mental health need. Stefan hopes to raise awareness of how immersing yourself in nature and trekking in the open air can have great positive effects, which is something he’s always been connected to.

Stefan is reclaiming a moment for himself amidst life’s pressures, and to ultimately prove that you can do anything – like trek for 630 miles, which is the equivalent of four journeys up and down Mount Everest – at the age of 61. With his loyal companion and spirited whippet, Otis, by his side every step of the way, Stefan will seek solace in the calming and oftentimes challenging coast, his love for wildlife and the simple joy of walking. The journey will intertwine his passions for dogs, foraging, fishing and connecting with fellow wanderers he may encounter along the path.

As Stefan sets off on this incredible adventure, he carries with him the hopes for a brighter future for young people, and aims to make a tangible difference in the lives of those who need it most.

Your support, big or small, can help turn Stefan’s steps into strides for change. Donate today and be part of something truly special.

We will also be keeping track of Stefan and Otis’ journey on Facebook, please stay tuned for updates!

About BF Adventure :

BF Adventure is a registered charity that has been operating for 35 years near Penryn, Cornwall. Its mission is to inspire, challenge and empower people, especially young people, to develop their life skills and to bring about positive change. BF Adventure is committed to inspiring children and young people to learn differently in the outdoors.

Branded under “Skills for Life”, the Core Charity programmes primarily support children and young people who face challenges in engaging with mainstream education. BF Adventure also works with adults and families within some of its programmes. In 2022/23 they worked with 1,115 children, young people and adults through the Skills for Life programmes.

It’s the unique outdoor setting at BF Adventure that provides the perfect backdrop for its work, enabling clients to immerse themselves in nature. The 60-acre site of heathland, woodland and five flooded granite quarries provides a habitat for a rich variety of flora and fauna, insects, reptiles and larger species of wildlife. Over the years, BF Adventure have conscientiously developed the site to deliver a huge range of activities including paddle sports, outdoor climbing, archery, quarry steering, zip wires, abseiling, low ropes and problem solving. Throughout the site there are bush-craft areas, perfect for campfires, den building and conversation. BF Adventure strives hard to ensure the activities are accessible to all with accessible changing, purpose-built wheelchair abseil ramp, accessible zip wire and all-terrain wheelchair.

These activities engage children, young people and families in opportunities to learn about themselves, others and the world around them. BF Adventure uses the challenge of activities and facilitative conversation to empower them to develop improved confidence, positive relationships, communication skills and mental wellbeing.

About the South West Coast path

The South West Coast Path is England's longest waymarked long-distance footpath and a National Trail. It stretches for 630 miles (1,014km), running from Minehead in Somerset, along the coasts of Devon and Cornwall, to Poole Harbour in Dorset. Because it rises and falls with every river mouth, it is also one of the more challenging trails. The total height climbed has been calculated to be 114,931 ft (35,031m), almost four times the height of Mount Everest. It has been voted 'Britain's Best Walking route’ twice in a row by readers of The Ramblers' Walk magazine, and regularly features in lists of the world's best walks.